The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pietralba, located at 1,550 meters at the foot of Mount San Pietro, dominates the Val d’Ega with its grandeur and baroque beauty. Also known as the "Cathedral of the Dolomites," it is one of the most beloved pilgrimage sites in South Tyrol, visited every year by numerous faithful and tourists.
The history of the sanctuary dates back to 1553, when the Madonna appeared to the farmer Leonhard Weißensteiner, asking him to build a chapel in her honor. Healed from an illness, Weißensteiner built the Hermitage of Saint Leonard, a small place of prayer nestled in the woods, still reachable today with a walk of about twenty minutes. Over the centuries, the small chapel grew into the impressive sanctuary we know today.
The baroque architecture of the sanctuary impresses with its gilded details, frescoes, and decorations, including works by the artist Adam Mölk. The church also houses the miraculous statue of the Madonna, at the center of popular devotion.
What to see at the Sanctuary of Pietralba
- The baroque church, with precious frescoes and decorations.
- The cloister, an ideal place to enjoy quiet and silence.
- The statue of the Madonna, venerated by the faithful for almost five centuries.
- The Hermitage of Saint Leonard, a small building nestled in the woods, symbolizing the origins of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is open every day from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
How to get there
By car:
- From Bolzano: A22 motorway, exit Bolzano Nord, follow the signs for Val d’Ega and Nova Ponente.
- From Egna/Ora: follow the signs for Cavalese, then Aldino and Pietralba.
By train:
- Bolzano station: bus to Nova Ponente – Pietralba or bus to Egna and transfer to Pietralba.
- Ora station: bus Ora – Egna, then line to Pietralba.
By bus:
Lines 180, 181, 182, 184 with stop at Pietralba.
Parking: available near the sanctuary, about 100 spaces, including for buses.
Every year, the sanctuary also welcomes pilgrims who arrive on foot from various valleys, walking up to 50 km to pay homage to the Madonna of Pietralba.
